October 17, 1928 – November 11, 2015
at the age of 87 years
George Boake passed away peacefully at Shuswap Lake General Hospital on November 11, 2015. He is survived by his daughters Susan and Lorraine and grandson Brian. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, June (Skilling) Boake.
In his early years, George worked in logging, railroading, and mining. While working at a mining site as a young man, George got a piece of equipment to operate when the mechanics could not and, as a result, he was encouraged to apprentice as a Heavy Duty Mechanic. He later acquired his welding tickets and after a long career as a Heavy Duty Mechanic and Welder and eventually retired from Finning Tractor in Williams Lake, BC.
George enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of a Masters Duplicate Bridge Club in Williams Lake. He eventually gave up playing bridge because his wife, June, did not play.
When he retired, George and June moved to Courtenay, BC. They became members of the Evergreen Seniors Club and were involved in dancing, carpet bowling, and lawn bowling. George served as president of the lawn bowling club for a term.
George was an avid gardener and always had a large, abundant, vegetable garden. He also enjoyed woodworking and had a well equipped woodworking shop in his basement where he made picture frames, toys, and Christmas decorations.
George and June loved to travel, particularly cruising, and they visited many countries throughout the world. He especially enjoyed their trip to China. George took pleasure in telling stories and sharing pictures of their travels.
George will be going to join June at the cemetery in Courtenay. He will be missed.
George was my brother-in-law and I know he missed his wife June when she passed away. I and my son, Gordon, had a nice visit with him in his new home in the Salmon Arm Lodge and I expected to have more visits as it is a short distance from Kamloops. I am so sorry that wasn’t to be.
My condolences go out to his two daughters and one grandson.
Love Aunt Alice